If you’re interested in visiting Sutherland, there are several places to see and things to do. In this article, we’ll discuss places such as the Smoo Cave, the Skurweberg 4×4 Trail, Loch Fleet, and Carn Liath.
Smoo Cave
Smoo Cave is one of the largest sea caves in the world, with an interior chamber that is more than two hundred feet long, one hundred feet wide, and fifty feet high. This natural wonder is free to visit, and locals run tours to the cave’s deepest chamber. Visitors can park at a visitor parking lot and hike down the Scottish coast to reach the cave.
Smoo Cave is the largest sea cave entrance in Britain, and is a must-see tourist attraction in the area. The cave was created thousands of years ago by the sea and river interacting. Visitors can explore the cave on foot or in a boat. The cave’s main entrance is nearly 50 feet high, and a wooded walkway leads into it. It contains an impressive collection of stalactites and other rock formations, and is the home of a large colony of bats.
Once you’ve finished exploring the cave, you can head back to the car park and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean. There are also plenty of viewpoints and bridges from which you can take pictures. You can also opt to take a guided tour. These tour options are PS10 for adults and include a boat ride into the cave.
Skurweberg 4×4 Trail
Skurweberg 4×4 Trail is a series of 4×4 trails that can be enjoyed by visitors of any level. The trails range from gentle scenic drives to serious rocky ascents. The trails also offer hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The Skurweberg guest farm also offers comfortable accommodations, braai facilities, and a well-shaded camping area.
The Skurweberg 4×4 Trail begins at the Skurweberg Guest Farm outside of Sutherland. The trail winds through rocky terrain and stretches of sand along the river. There are also cliffs and breathtaking views to take in from the highest points of the trail. The trail is rated as intermediate to difficult and can take between two and six hours to complete. After finishing the trail, you can return along the Ouberg Pass.
The area is also popular for birdwatching. The area has little light pollution, making it an ideal location to view the night sky. You can also visit the Sutherland Planetarium, a privately owned digital planetarium with Celestron telescopes.
Loch Fleet
If you’re looking for a place to spend a day in the Scottish Highlands, consider Loch Fleet. A national nature reserve, it features a tidal sea loch, sand dunes, and native woodland. It is a great place to view wildlife, and you can walk around it and learn about the local wildlife. The reserve is managed by NatureScot, and there are many parking areas and interpretive panels.
Loch Fleet offers an excellent spot for a picnic. It also has a well-stocked supermarket, a variety of tourist shops, and a good restaurant, the Marine Hotel, which is based on a historic mansion house. The nearby town of Brora is also worth visiting, as it has several eateries.
If you’re interested in mountain biking, you can check out the Kyle of Sutherland Mountain Bike Trail and the Highland Wildcat Trail, a purpose-built mountain bike course. There are also six malt whisky distilleries in the area. If you’re interested in learning more about Scotland’s whisky culture, you can visit Embo House, which is located in the area. You can also sample its famous malt.
Another great place to go in Sutherland is the village of Loch Fleet. The town is home to Ben Bhraggie, a statue of the Duke of Sutherland. The statue is visible for miles and serves as a poignant reminder of the Clearances. Besides the statue, the town also has beautiful beaches and quaint little shops. You can also visit Carn Liath, an ancient iron age broch.
Salpeterkop
Sutherland is a beautiful suburb that boasts many natural assets. The town is unique in its scenery and palaeontological history. It is one of the quietest places in the world, according to Japanese scientists. If you’re planning to visit the area, here are some places to go in Sutherland.
You can visit a museum, go hiking, or try your hand at mountain biking. There are also many restaurants to choose from, including those serving international cuisine and traditional South African cuisine. These dining establishments are perfect for a romantic date or a night out with friends.
Sutherland is a quaint town that is easy to explore on foot. There are plenty of old buildings dating from the Victorian era. One of them is the Louw House, which was built in 1861 for the van Wyk Louw brothers. It is now used as a library. NP van Wyk Louw is widely considered the best poet of his era, and his birthplace is also a museum in Sutherland.
The town of Sutherland is home to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) observatory, the world’s largest optical telescope. The city is located at a high elevation, making the night sky among the clearest in the world. The town also boasts an extinct volcano called Salpeterkop. This volcano is believed to have erupted 66 million years ago, and is South Africa’s last active volcano. It can be a bit cold here in winter, so you should plan for a light jacket.
Blesfontein Farm
If you’re looking for a break from city life, Blesfontein Farm is the perfect spot. Located outside of Johannesburg, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful views and fresh air. You can also enjoy the farm’s indoor braai and hair dryer. The farm also has horse riding facilities and the opportunity to feed the farm’s many animals. To reach the farm, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle.
The area is a fantastic location for stargazing. Because of the cold Karoo air, constellations can be seen clearly. Blesfontein Farm has two telescopes, which allow visitors to view the constellations. During the winter season, evenings in Sutherland are especially chilly.
Sutherland is also home to a Jewish cemetery. There were a number of Jewish businessmen in the area during the early 1900s. One of them, Barnett Perlman, died during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. His family had asked him to lend them a stretcher, but he refused because he was afraid he might get infected. He died eight days later.
If you’d like to see wildlife in its natural habitat, Blesfontein farm offers horseback riding amongst the animals. Nicol runs a private amateur observatory at the farm. Visitors can use the telescope for free, but donations are appreciated to keep the equipment maintained. During spring, wild flowers bloom in the garden. On cold nights, you can go stargazing. You’ll be amazed at the objects that you see in the night sky.
Stoer Head
If you’re looking for a dramatic coastal location, the area around Stoer Head is a great option. The rugged coastline features a lighthouse, which was built in 1870 by brothers David and Thomas Stevenson. It’s one of forty-five lighthouses built throughout Scotland to protect shipping. There’s also the 60-metre-high Old Man of Stoer, a sea stack of Torridonian sandstone. Both attractions are easily accessible by car and offer beautiful views.
If you want a more tranquil environment, you can spend the day walking on the pristine beaches. The clean white sand and turquoise waters make these beaches perfect for picnics and walks. The area is also home to several ruined castles, including the historic Castle of Mey. The castle is one of the ten best historic sites in Sutherland and Caithness.
For adventurers, this area is a treasure trove for fishing enthusiasts, photographers, and walkers. There are flat coastal and river paths, as well as challenging hills.
